You have just seen one application of representation in the classroom. Students are tackling this problem by working in groups and deciding on appropriate forms for representing their thinking and reasoning. Reflect on the questions below, and answer one in light of the students and content you teach.

Questions to write and reflect about:

What are advantages of having students use various forms of representation as they solve problems? What are benefits of each of the forms of representation used in the Ferris wheel problem?

How can you incorporate representation, along with the other process standards you've learned about (problem solving, communication, and reasoning and proof), into your daily teaching?

How would you support student thinking in moving among various forms of representation? Give examples.

How does the use of representation and communication related to the classroom Ferris wheel activity compare to your practice? Describe teacher and student behaviors that are similar, different, and any that are related to your goals for your classroom.

How can teacher questions and small group discussions help students to solidify their understanding of the mathematical concepts represented in this problem?

Three ways to write and reflect:

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